Israel Targets Senior Hezbollah Commander in Beirut Airstrike
In a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, an Israeli airstrike hit the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday, resulting in at least five deaths and 28 injuries. The attack, which targeted a Hezbollah militant, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the stability of the fragile ceasefire that was established a year ago following intense fighting between the two sides.
According to the Israeli military, the target of the strike was Ali Tabtabai, a senior military commander within Hezbollah. Israel claimed that Tabtabai had been killed in the attack, which took place in the Dahiyeh district, a stronghold for the militant group. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has stated that its objective was to eliminate a key figure involved in Hezbollah's military operations. Netanyahu further emphasized that Israel would continue to act to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its military presence and capabilities along the Israeli border.
Also Read:- Chiefs Fans Think Patrick Mahomes Took a Shot at Andy Reid
- Eva Longoria Reflects on the Joys of Motherhood at 43 and Prioritizing Family Over Career
Hezbollah, on the other hand, acknowledged that the strike had targeted a senior commander but withheld the exact identity of the individual. Senior Hezbollah official Mahmud Qomati expressed outrage, calling the strike a violation of what he termed a "red line." The group has not confirmed whether Tabtabai was killed or merely injured but warned that the Israeli attack would provoke a response, which has yet to be determined.
The airstrike occurred amidst ongoing tensions, with Israel accusing Hezbollah of trying to rebuild its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. While the Lebanese government has denied these claims, Israel has intensified its airstrikes in the region, targeting weapons storage facilities and military positions in an effort to curb Hezbollah's growing power. In the latest escalation, a deadly attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon earlier this week further stoked fears of a wider regional conflict.
Lebanese authorities have condemned the airstrike, with President Joseph Aoun calling on the international community to intervene to stop the attacks. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported the "final toll" from the airstrike, which included both civilian casualties and significant damage to buildings and vehicles in the surrounding area. Ambulances quickly arrived at the site, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. The blast, which left a large plume of smoke visible over the neighborhood, was reportedly followed by a rush of people fleeing their homes in fear of additional strikes.
This latest Israeli attack follows a pattern of frequent airstrikes and military actions targeting Hezbollah. With growing international concern over the potential for further escalation, particularly as Hezbollah's leadership contemplates a response, the situation remains precarious. The strike also raises questions about the future of the fragile ceasefire, and whether it will continue to hold amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Read More:
0 Comments